Paralympics coverage online

It is the first time the teenager has competed at the Paralympics, and her family and friends have travelled to London to support her from the poolside in the Aquatic Centre.

Her mother Lindsey, said: "A few years ago she couldn't swim, now she's got a gold medal. I can't believe it".

Her father Peter said: "We weren't expecting that, we were hopeful maybe a bronze, you know, she might just sneak in there. But to go all the way and get a gold is just fantastic."

Mr Firth described Bethany as very "dedicated and committed" to her sport but the family had feared that her earlier injury might prevent her from even qualifying for the final.

"It's just unbelieveable. To pull something like that off bearing in mind the shoulder injury, not being able to get much time to exercise her arm in the pool, it's just incredible, so exciting," Mr Firth added.

"It doesn't seem to phase her - all the stress is on us."

'Proud'

Another County Down swimmer, Rostrevor's Laurence McGivern, came eighth in the 100m backstroke final.